Page 35 of Slayin Villain
“Thought that lion would eat you, and I’d be free.”
“Not a fuckin’ chance.You really want free of me?”
His kiss tore the truth out of me, his mouth taking like he was starving, hands claiming like he’d just remembered I was his and no one else’s.
“I love this dress,” he murmured, dragging the straps down.“But it’s in my damn way.”
“You gonna rip another?”I teased, breathless.
“I’ll buy you ten more.”
We didn’t make it inside.
The stone wall was cold against my back, his belt undone, his new cut falling from his shoulder as he gripped my thighs.
“Say my name,” he said.
“Which one?”I moaned, arching up.
He grinned against my neck.“The one that makes you come.”
Sometime before dawn, I curled up beside him in the bed of Opry’s truck, our clothes scattered in the grass, the stars wide open above us.
“You ever regret it?”he whispered.
“What?”
“Leaving the stage?”He looked at me like I was the stage.The spotlight.The encore.
I rolled my eyes.Once I had this baby, I’d be stage hoppin’ again.But I answered like he wanted.“Only when I’m not in your arms.”
“Eve, we both know once you pop that youngin’ out, you’ll be back in the spotlight.I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Kingpin knew me better than anyone.
And with that, I knew.I’d trade fame for firelight.
Applause for outlaw kisses.
Spotlights for stars.
And I’d never, not once, look back.
But Kingpin wouldn’t let me give up my dreams.Besides, Royal Road was all the stage I ever needed.
Chapter 14
Ember
I passed Rachel on the dirt road leading out, her taillights red against the smoke curling from the bonfires.She didn’t look at me.Didn't slow down.Just kept driving like the devil was at her heels.
My stomach twisted as I rolled up to Royal Road, the night already on fire.
Bonfires cracked, motorcycles rumbled, women laughed and howled and danced half-dressed in leather and lace like the world was ending and we’d all decided to go out dirty.
I didn’t know if I belonged here.Not really.
But I’d dressed like I did.
